Publication year

Italy’s short-term economic outlook is firm. Yet the country’s long-term growth outlook is weak. The next government is unlikely to tackle large challenges. On the upside, the risk of an unexperienced populist government after the 2018 elections is limited.

4 December, Italy rejected a reform that would have improved the governability the country. Renzi has resigned, but the initial market impact has been fairly muted. Paradoxically, the chance of a referendum on Eurozone membership has reduced.

Sunday 4 December, Italians will vote on a constitutional reform that should support policymaking in Italy. Yet the reform is not without downsides. The suggestion that a 'No'-vote would put Italy on a path towards leaving the Eurozone is wrong.